Johanna von Wild: "Magic of Gemstones"

Author reading in cooperation with the Augustiniok bookstore and Bernhard Wintermantel Breisgau 1543: In Waldkirch, the people predominantly live from the art of grinding and process gemstones from near and far – including the family of 16-year-old Emilia. She is in love with her childhood friend, the apprentice Elias. However, her father, who is plagued by financial troubles, has long promised her to Paul Gabler, the son of a grinder. When Elias learns of this, he leaves the town and goes on a journey. His path takes him to Antwerp, where he learns from a Jewish diamond cutter. Meanwhile, at home, the grinders from Waldkirch and Freiburg form a brotherhood. Eventually, Paul must also go on a journey at the behest of the masters. When Emilia's family soon finds themselves in a difficult situation, she has no choice but to marry Paul's brother. But then Elias and Paul return. While Paul's return causes unrest, Elias settles in Freiburg and makes a name for himself with his garnet cuts. A shared future with Emilia seems hopeless... Johanna von Wild is the pseudonym of Biggi Rist, who was born in 1964 in Reutlingen. She now lives near Bremen and spends her free time in nature and at interesting places, always in search of exciting stories to bring long-gone times back to life. More information at: www.johanna-von-wild.de